Beast Planet 2: Captive Salvation (2 page)

“What’s with all the dirt over the buildings?”

“Better protection from heat and cold. Makes them feel more like Zakiu home not Druel.”

It made me wonder what kind of homes the Zakiu lived in before the Druel
invasion. We reached the last building, near some dense vegetation and tall trees which almost engulfed the building. Vines hung over the doorway and some of the windows. He shoved them back, but hesitated and turned to me.

“Wait. I check our dwelling first. Much time has passed since was last here. Not want to scare you with unexpected creatures.”

Fine by me, I had no idea what kind of creepy crawlies they had on this planet. I was more than happy to be all girly and let Morrdrook deal with them.

He shoved the door open and disappeared inside. I peered in and saw an open living space with a table and chair. Morrdrook moved into another room out of sight. Unable to contain my curiosity and bugs be damned, I walked up the two steps and crossed over the threshold.

To the right were benches and equipment. Maybe some sort of kitchen? Morrdrook reappeared.

“Aunna, I told you to wait,” he chastised gently.

I simply grinned and shrugged. “I was curious.”

He smiled and with a small shake of his head, opened another door. I leaned over a sink and twisted the handle. It groaned and spluttered. I jumped back as muddy liquid came spurting out. It took a moment before the water ran clear. I heaved a sigh of relief.

“We have running water here.”

“Bathing water is working too.” Morrdrook strode back into the kitchen and living area. “All must have a clean. Also need bigger bed.” His grin widened. “There is no danger here. You will stay while I fetch supplies.” He went into what must have been the bedroom because he reappeared carrying a long, single cot. I stood back as he maneuvered it through the doorways. Thankfully the doors had been built to accommodate the Zakiu height.

Oh what a delight it was to watch Morrdrook’s muscles flex, while doing something other than wield a weapon. I licked my lips, eager to feel all his wonderful hard male flesh sliding carnally against mine. I felt my body tighten and my pussy dampened at the thought.

“I’ll start giving the place a clean. Hurry back.” I winked seductively at him as he walked out the door. He laughed, missed the step and stumbled forward, paying more attention to me than watching where he was going. “I will hurry.” He grumbled and disappeared.

My cheeks ached with my wide grin. I turned around again to survey the dusty kitchen. I stepped forward and bent down to open one of the bottom cupboards. A sudden loud, angry chirping made me stumble back. I screamed in fright, falling on my ass as a black furry creature the size of a child’s bowling ball, jumped from the darkened space.

Chapter Two

I twisted and scrambled backwards like a crab only to stop my frightened retreat when my back met with a cold wall. Morrdrook burst back into the house, his face twisted in a fierce frown and a heavy bar in his hand ready to battle the…well, whatever the hell it was.

“Aunna, are you hurt?” His gaze darted about the room.

“No…something jumped out at me.” I pointed towards the fuzz ball, chittering away on the floor in its own corner.

His confused frown turned into a wide grin. He chuckled and shook his head. “No need to be afraid. It a Wuzzle.”

“A Wuzzle? It…it’s not dangerous…is it?”

“No, it is a friend of the fields. It eats plants and flowers, not us.” Morrdrook bent down, scooped up the fur ball with one hand and stroked it with his index finger. The little black creature transformed to stark white, matching Morrdrook’s skin color. It made a trilling, chirping sound. He held it out. “Friendly. I have been told it is considered good fortune to find a Wuzzle in your home.”

I folded my legs and pushed to my feet, approaching with caution. “Friendly you say?”

“Yes.” He held it out to me.

Trying to steady my shaking hands, I carefully took the creature in my hands, its fur soft as cotton as it trembled at my gentle strokes. A giggle bubbled up my throat as the Wuzzle made a happy little chirping sound. Amazed, I watched it turn a shade of pink to match the color of my skin. My heart melted at the little creature’s ability to camouflage itself. I lifted it against my face and nuzzled it. Its little head bobbed out from its body and a little rough pink tongue licked my cheek.

“You made friend. If it licks, it bonds to you.”

I glanced up at Morrdrook’s amused face. “Bond?”

His hand skimmed my swelling belly. “Like bud bond to parent, this Wuzzle bond to you.”

“But we can’t keep a pet, can we?”

“It’s smart and knows good bonding partner. We have to keep it now.” He leaned down and kissed the top of my head. “Won’t be long. Wuzzle will protect you.” He chuckled as he walked out the door.

Bemused, I stood staring at the fuzzy creature in my hands. “Do you want to be bonded to me or do you want to be outside in the fields?”

It jumped out of my hands. I giggled as its little feet tickled me, pressing into the crook of my neck. His chirping became louder. I guess that’s my answer.

“Okay, okay, I’ll keep you. I don’t even know if you’re a boy or a girl Wuzzle. Maybe I’ll call you Lucky. If Morrdrook is right, we need all the good fortune we can get.”

It bounced and vibrated on my shoulder. I couldn’t help laughing at the infectious excitement of this strange little creature.

It was almost easy to forget the Druel were going to return in a few months. My gut tightened at the thought of them ripping apart this odd little family Morrdrook and I had grown. I drew in a slow breath. My new Wuzzle friend gave me a sense of comfort.

“Well I hope your house isn’t broken.” I went back to opening cupboards, this time with more caution, until I found what I needed to start the clean up. “C’mon, Lucky, we’ve got work to do.”

* * * *

After a few hours of scrubbing, wiping down walls, sweeping and mopping floors, I was feeling a little drained. Morrdrook worked even harder, helping to clear away the overgrowth of vines and vegetation around what I guess you could call our home. He set up a larger bed, covering it with furs and other blankets that come from the storerooms.

The light was starting to fade and my stomach grumbled, which didn’t pass Morrdrook’s notice.

“No more work. We go to meeting rooms for meal. The others have returned from the crop fields.”

“Others?” I vaguely remembered him mention something about other Zakiu after we’d disembarked from the Druel ship.

“Yes, village is occupied by a few older Zakiu who the Druel
deem too old for fighting in their games.”

My skin was grimy and sweaty from all the work, I needed a shower.

“Okay then, but let me freshen up first.”

“Not yet, after food.”

He grabbed my hand, dragging me out and down a worn path towards the main building in the center of the village. I blinked in confusion. Why wouldn’t he let me wash up? He’d never stopped me before.

“But I’m dirty and smelly!”

“You are always beautiful to me.” His lips twitched in a half grin and I knew he was up to something.

But before I could question him, he came to a sudden halt, forcing me to take stock of where he’d dragged me. My gaze fell upon three Zakiu men I hadn’t seen before, standing in front of the entrance to the meal rooms, talking with some of the unmated men.

The fighter moved aside as Morrdrook stepped forward, with my hand still tightly encased in his.

“Morrdrook, good to see you have returned to us.” The oldest of the three Zakiu men greeted. His skin wasn’t as white and I noticed patches going grey around his patterned markings on his arms. There were also streaks of silver in his black hair, which hung loosely about his shoulders. Being older didn’t detract from his bulging muscles, showing he was still in fine physical condition.

“Killiu,” Morrdrook gave a respectful bow. “I have heard the Druel have provided most of you with colorful little mates.” I felt my cheeks heat under their assessing gazes.

“Aunna, this is Killiu, Feeli and Varmiu. Killiu is our village leader and only remaining elder.  My friends, this is my Aunna. I chose and fought for her, as she is the best of all the human females.”

“Welcome Aunna, I hope you can be at peace here, among us.”

“Thank you, Killiu. I’m happy to be anywhere Morrdrook is.”

He smiled in approval. “She is very beautiful Morrdrook, for a smaller creature. You always did know a good thing when you saw it, my friend.”

“Yes, and just remember she is mine.”

Killiu chuckled. “But of course my friend, and blessing on your growing bud.”

“How do your days fair?” Morrdrook rubbed circles on the back of my hand with his thumb.

“Much better than yours, still having to fight for the Druel
.
We do our best, spending days in the fields growing Yik and Parppa roots. We also offer prayers to the gods of the moons. Praying our people will brought home and we will be able to break free from the Druel.”

My heart ached knowing the devastation the Druel had brought upon the Zakiu and God knows how many other planets.

“So have you come to take leadership at last?”

I shifted nervously under Killiu’s gaze, before frowning up at Morrdrook. “Take leadership?”

“We can talk about this later. I must care for my Aunna.”

“Morrdrook is next in line to lead our people. Did he not tell you this?” Killiu glanced between Morrdrook and me.

“No, he didn’t.” I snatched my hand from his and folded my arms, wanting answers.

“Killiu is right. He is my father’s brother. Our line has always taken leadership over our people. ”

Surprised rolled through me. “Killiu is your uncle? You never told me this either. Is there anything else I should know?”

Morrdrook shook his head, reclaiming my hand. “No my sweet, there is nothing else. I did not think it was important to tell you.”

I sighed and looked back at Killiu’s smile. He was Morrdrook’s uncle—that made him my family too.

“Soon we will hold a meeting on what is to be done against our enemy. Although we mourn the loss of our females, it is vital we protect what we have now, lest our race fade from the stars forever. I will do anything to protect my Aunna.”

Morrdrook’s fierce declaration sent chills down my spine and raised a rumble of approval from the other men.

“But right now my Aunna hungers.”

Killiu and the other men stepped aside, giving a small bow of respect. “Of course. As you know, is the pride of the Zakiu to be able to care for your mate. I have prepared some fresh baked Parppa roots for you to enjoy.” Killiu winked at me, as we passed. I smiled at the same time shaking my head at his friendly gesture.

“Come we eat then, I will take you to bathe.” Morrdrook tugged me forward.

I sighed and filed my questions away, in the back of my mind, for later.

* * * *

It was dark when we emerged from the meal hall. The bulk of the food was exactly the same cubes we had on the Druel planet, but it was a nice change to eat some of the fresh produce from the crops Killiu and the other men had prepared. Parppa root reminded me of a potato, except it was bright orange and tasted delicious baked.

Soft glowing lights hung from every hut, illuminating the village. Instead of heading back to our own hut, he led me into the dense vegetation and darkness.

“Morrdrook, where are we going? I can’t see a thing.” My foot sank into a small hole and I pitched forward. Morrdrook caught me with ease, lifting me up into his arms. I hooked my arms around his neck. Lucky, who had found his way into the food hall and up onto my lap during our meal, nestled between the warmth of our bodies.

“Must wait, my Aunna, I have something special to show you.” In the darkness, his skin markings started to glow. It was nothing new, but it always sent a thrill through me to know how much he wanted me. My sex clenched and moistened at the thought of what he what he had in store for us.

In the distance, I heard the trickle of water, growing steadily louder as we drew near. The bushes and trees that surrounded us created a dense protective shield. From the glow of Morrdrook’s markings, I could just make out several larger stones and boulders.

Morrdrook wasn’t the only creature that glowed in the dark. All around us, bright yellow insects, buzzed in the cool night air, illuminated by the fluorescent veins on the leaves. This fascinating show of beautiful, soft, radiant color had me spellbound.

Tilting my head back I saw the three moons of Zakiu—the silver crescent moon, the pale blue full moon and the dusty pink waxing moon—outshining the dotted stars. I stood in awe of its beauty.

Morrdrook pushed through the bush. I gasped as we came to the edge of a big lagoon. Through the crystal clear water, a multitude of coloured rocks glowed, creating a shimmering rainbow. The yellow insects flittered and shimmered above us, adding to the starlight effect.

“Wow, this is amazing!”

Morrdrook set me on my feet. I took in the magical sight, my mind processing each detail, storing each memory for later. “My special place in my youth. I come to bathe, reflect. Now share with my special Aunna.”

He took Lucky from my shoulder. He chirped unhappily as Morrdrook set him on a nearby bolder.

“I need you naked, Aunna. Strip for me.”

An erotic chill ran down my spine. My skin prickled and my breasts felt tenderer than before. They ached to be touched and petted.

Quickly, I reached for the corner of my worn tunic. It was near threadbare from the constant wash and wear. Morrdrook stepped in, taking it from my hand and tossing it carelessly aside. He wrapped his arms around me. The heat of his body felt so good in the cool night air. He lifted me, meshing my breasts against his harder muscles. I clung to him and tilted my head back to receive his kiss. Our tongues tangled with heated passion. His hand threaded through my hair, holding me captive. I moaned in surrender as he leisurely explored every recess of my mouth, until the world around me spun and nothing existed but the feel of my lover.